Riding old bikes without indicators (my Norton)

MexicoMike · Aug 27, 2020

I totally agree that the aftermarket blinkers that are tucked in close to the centerline win style points and might communicate your intention to other motorcyclists and motorcycle-aware car drivers but they are pretty much useless as far as the majority of folks on the road are concerned.

Heck, a hand signal is better than those tucked-in blinkers because it will at least call some attention to you, even though the folks observing may not be sure what you mean!

maylar · Aug 27, 2020

concours said:
For safety, those indicators need to be as far from the bike’s centerline as possible. It makes clear the indicators position. Tucked up tidy 4” from the centerline may allow to pass inspection, but the point is lost.

I agree 100%. Besides, they look like they belong there.

Bernhard · Aug 27, 2020

In the UK the it was a legal requirement that the manufacturer fitted the indicators on long stalks, I cannot quote the distance from the top of my head. And thereon lies a bug bear with me, if you drop the bike for any reason, the first thing that gets smashed are the indicators on that side. . . .

concours · Aug 27, 2020

Bernhard said:
In the UK the it was a legal requirement that the manufacturer fitted the indicators on long stalks, I cannot quote the distan e from the top of my head. And thereon lies a bug bear with me, if you drop the bike for any reason, the first thing that gets smashed are the indicators on that side. . . .

....but they’re cheap compared to orthopedic surgery/skin grafts.

Bernhard · Aug 27, 2020

concours said:
....but they’re cheap compared to orthopedic surgery/skin grafts.

I don't disagree, but half the drivers don't know the English highway code meaning of mirror, signal, manoeuvre. . . . .

maylar · Aug 27, 2020

Bernhard said:
And thereon lies a bug bear with me, if you drop the bike for any reason, the first thing that gets smashed are the indicators on that side. . . .

Yup. Which I did recently

Smashed the blinker lens and cracked the headlamp mounting bracket.

cliffa · Aug 27, 2020

There are new fangled LED bar end blinkers which are quite unobtrusive and as far away from the center line as it's possible to get. They are also near your mirrors so the chance of spotting you've left them on is much greater I would say. Obviously if you drop your bike they are going to suffer, but I think the more expensive brands such as Rizoma are pretty strong.

ashman · Aug 27, 2020

The idea is to stay up right, but the stock indicators are so long and big and most countries have their own laws concerning how far indicators hang out from the center line, on my Triumph 1200 Thruxton I have the short round Triumph LED indicators on it and are so bright a lot better than the stock indicators and look great on the bike, if other road users don't see them they need their eyes tested.

Ashley

concours · Aug 27, 2020

cliffa said:
There are new fangled LED bar end blinkers which are quite unobtrusive and as far away from the center line as it's possible to get. They are also near your mirrors so the chance of spotting you've left them on is much greater I would say. Obviously if you drop your bike they are going to suffer, but I think the more expensive brands such as Rizoma are pretty strong.

Riding old bikes without indicators (my Norton)

mo.blaze disc LED Lenkerendenblinker

m.blaze disc LED Lenkerendenblinker, Power LED Blinker

motogadget.com

alan hodge · Aug 27, 2020

well today I rode commando to work made it past fast food joint in and out gauntlet parked bike in front of office felt pretty proud as strollers ogled it on way home came to 3 road intersection light was red I sat with indicators on day glo green jacket on hi viz helmet on LED headlite on 'hi' light turned and idiot in work van cut across intersection and nearly hit me head on had the nerve to give ME shitty look! My nerves were so 'tore up' by this stupidity I had to go grocery store for $4 bottle of merlot...sheesh

baz · Aug 27, 2020

cliffa said:
There are new fangled LED bar end blinkers which are quite unobtrusive and as far away from the center line as it's possible to get. They are also near your mirrors so the chance of spotting you've left them on is much greater I would say. Obviously if you drop your bike they are going to suffer, but I think the more expensive brands such as Rizoma are pretty strong.

I have the old type Heller ox eye bar end indicators on my BMW
The only problem is with them is the angle of my arms completely obscures the indicators!!
On my commando I have puig flyscreen ,at night this is illuminated by the front indicators better than any idiot light
It's just during the daytime riding I need to sort out now!!!!

kerinorton · Aug 27, 2020

ashman said:
The idea is to stay up right, but the stock indicators are so long and big and most countries have their own laws concerning how far indicators hang out from the center line, on my Triumph 1200 Thruxton I have the short round Triumph LED indicators on it and are so bright a lot better than the stock indicators and look great on the bike, if other road users don't see them they need their eyes tested.

Ashley

Not much point in checking their eyes if they don't fuckuing look.

Alan,. Exackery.

As for leaving my indicators going, I have been reminded so many times by my riding mates that is has almost become 2nd nature to turn the buggers off after using,.. ALMOST

rvich · Aug 28, 2020

There are moments in which having both hands on the hand grips is real handy.

Riding old bikes without indicators (my Norton)

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